Science

S. Korea to Test-Launch Homegrown Space Vehicle in October

Write 2018-02-06 16:00:34, Update 2018-02-06 17:17:22

South Korea has decided to conduct the first test-launch of its homegrown space vehicle in October.

The Ministry of Science and ICT on Tuesday held a national space committee meeting and decided to test-launch a space launch vehicle at Naro Space Center in October as the performance of a 75-ton engine for the space projectile has been verified.

The government plans to assemble the space rocket for about seven months before conducting a ground test for a final launch. The assembly work already started last month.

The 300-ton space projectile will carry a one-point-five ton satellite.

The government also finalized schedules for the nation's lunar exploration project after repeated delays.

It plans to launch its lunar orbiter by 2020 and then develop on its own a rocket unit that can reach the surface of the moon.